Abstract

As the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) model has developed in recent years, so has the role of the therapeutic relationship within that model. This portfolio aims to uncover aspects of the therapeutic relationship in CBT as it is practiced nowadays. The first section presents an overview in which the different parts included in this portfolio are briefly described, and the way in which they are linked together is outlined. The second section, the research component, explores qualitatively Counselling Psychologists' experience of the therapeutic relationship while practicing CBT. This section aims to provide the reader with insights from the therapists' perspective, which has been a largely neglected variable in the literature. The third section represents the clinical component and gives a vivid account of CBT with a client with anger issues. Finally, the fourth section, the critical literature review, presents the role of empathy in the cognitive behavioural treatment of depression. As a whole, the portfolio provides a broad view of different perspectives of the therapeutic relationship in CBT, and aims to increase awareness among researchers and therapists of how the research findings can be of use for clinical practice.